I Just Moved to Alabama. How Do I Transfer My Driver's License and Vehicle Registration?

Ready to make the Heart of Dixie your new home? Once you get settled in by establishing residency in Alabama, you need to transfer your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Here’s your guide to help you get your Alabama driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Required Documents to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Alabama

The following documents are necessary to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Alabama:

• Out-of-state driver’s license

• Social security card (can be your original social security card, US military (Form DD 214), Medicare or Medicaid identification card (if your SSN is followed by the letter “A”), W2 tax form.

• One of the items from the following, in addition to presenting your social security card:

  • US military form (DD 214) - Proof of military service - Click here to request one online.

  • W2 tax form

  • Medicare or Medicaid identification card (if your SSN is followed by the letter “A”)

• Proof of school enrollment or graduation (if you’re younger than 19)

  • Form DL 1/93 -Enrollment Exclusion Form

  • Certificate of Graduation

  • GED certificate

  • Certified letter from school officials stating that you are enrolled in school

• $5 for the AL driver’s license transfer fee

• $36.25 to purchase a new driver’s license

Exceptions to Transferring Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Alabama

There are different steps you will need to take to transfer your out-of-state documentation. However, there are a few exceptions. These exceptions include:

• As a new resident of Alabama, you are required to apply for an AL driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state

• All new residents of AL are not required to take a driver’s test (ONLY new residents who have an out-of-state driver’s license that has been expired for more than one year)

• The testing requirements are at the discretion of the AL DMV examiner (you might be required to pass one or multiple tests depending on certain circumstances.)

• You are not required to obtain an Alabama driver’s license if:

  • You’re operating a farm vehicle

  • You’re employed by the U.S. Federal government, and operating a vehicle that is government-owned or leased

  • You are enrolled in any Alabama school, including a college or university, and have an out-of-state driver’s license that is valid

  • You are at least 16 years of age and already have a valid driver’s license from your home country or state

  • You are at least 16 years of age from a country that doesn’t require you to obtain a driver’s license. (In this situation, you can operate a motor vehicle for at least 90 days if the vehicle is correctly registered in your home country.

Alabama Vision Screening

In the state of Alabama, a driver’s visual capability is assessed upon original licensure, but only if you are referred to the AL Department of Motor Vehicles for an examination or reexamination. If you are renewing your driver’s license, you are not required to endure a vision screening in Alabama. The visual standards in Alabama to obtain a driver’s license is 20/40 acuity in both eyes and horizontal temporal field of at least 110 degrees horizontally and 80 degrees vertically from the center.

If you have uncorrected vision and need to endure a reexamination, and you have a visual acuity of less than 20/40 in each eye, but at least 20/60 in one eye and/or a visual field of less than 100 degrees will be referred to an eye specialist for a visual examination and an advisory recommendation.

You will also be required to complete a driving (in-car) examination. Be advised that you may be restricted to driving with outside mirrors or driving ONLY during daylight hours. If you do not obtain a visual acuity of at least 20/60 or better in at least one eye, you will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle.

Alabama Written Test

The written driving test in the state of Alabama is designed to help you safely operate a motor vehicle on the highways and roadways of Alabama. The questions in this test are based on the rules of the road, driving laws, and traffic signs in Alabama. This written test consists of 30 questions, and you need to get 24 answers correct to pass the test with a minimum score of 80%. You need to be at least 15 years old to apply and take the AL DMV written test.

Alabama Road Test (In-Car)

The Alabama road test (in-car) test is a driving test you take with an AL testing official in the car. They will test you on your ability to follow road signs and traffic laws in the state of Alabama. You will also be graded on your ability to maneuver a motor vehicle, such as parking, using your turn signals, and more.

Registering Your Vehicle in Alabama

As a new resident of Alabama, you are required to register your vehicle with your local county AL registration office. The steps you follow to register your vehicle are based on whether you purchased your vehicle from a dealer or a private seller (an individual).

In order to register your vehicle, you must have a vehicle identification number (VIN) performed on your vehicle, and pay the necessary fees. These fees are based on your vehicle’s weight, type, and model year.

Before you register your vehicle, you are required to apply for an Alabama vehicle title. You are also required to obtain a valid AL vehicle auto insurance policy to operate your vehicle on the roads and highways of Alabama. Be advised that RVs and motor homes are registered the same way as standard vehicles (cars and trucks). However, the fees to register a mobile home varies based on its weight. Click here to get an idea of the fees you will be expected to pay.

New Residents of Alabama

As a new resident of Alabama, once you establish residency in the state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. Before you can register your car or truck, you must obtain a valid AL auto insurance policy. Once you have your vehicle’s title and auto insurance, here are the steps you need to follow to register your vehicle in the state of Alabama, whether your vehicle is owned or leased.

Registering an Out-of-State Vehicle (Non-Leased)

In order to successfully register your out-of-state vehicle that you are not leasing (meaning you own it), you need to visit your AL county license office and present:

• Your vehicle’s title (all vehicle owners on the vehicle title are required to be present, or a power of attorney needs to be presented for the vehicle owners who are not present).

• Your current out-of-state vehicle registration

• A completed vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection report

• Pay all applicable AL vehicle registration fees

Registering an Out-of-State Vehicle (Leased)

If your out-of-state vehicle is leased, you must visit your county licensing office and follow the necessary steps. The steps you are required to take will depend on whether you or the leasing company is in possession of the vehicle’s title. Each situation is different, so you need to contact the Motor Vehicle Division at (334) 242-9000.

Leased vehicles follow the same registration requirements and guidelines as other vehicles. However, you must submit the following to your county’s licensing office:

• The power of attorney form from your leasing company, which allows you to register the vehicle

• A copy of the lease agreement for the vehicle

Alabama vehicle registration fees depend on different factors. First-time registration fees are calculated based on the vehicle’s weight, type, and registration renewal month. The renewal month is based on the first letter of your last name. This initial fee will be prorated to reflect the number of months until you renew your registration.

• County taxes and surcharges

Vehicles Purchased from a Dealer

If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership in Alabama, the dealership often handles the titling and registration process on your behalf. If these items are not submitted on your behalf, you are responsible for submitting them to your county’s licensing office with the following:

• The completed vehicle title (If the vehicle’s title is not required, you need to submit the vehicle’s registration and the following documents:

  • Bill of Sale (with itemized sales tax information)

  • A dealer’s affidavit (if the dealership was in a different state)

  • A VIN/Ownership documentation inspection report

• A valid AL driver’s license (your license also proves residency in the county where you are registering the vehicle)

• Proof of a valid AL auto insurance policy (required if the licensing office is unable to confirm your vehicle insurance policy online)

• Any license plates you wish to transfer to a different vehicle

• An odometer disclosure statement (ONLY for vehicles that are less than 10 years old)

• Payment for all applicable AL vehicle registration fees

Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party

When you purchase a vehicle from a private party, you will transfer your out-of-state vehicle title at the time you transfer the vehicle’s registration. The AL titling fees and taxes will be charged along with the vehicle registration fees. In order to successfully transfer the documents of private party sale, you need to visit your county’s licensing office and submit:

• Submit a properly completed vehicle title from the previous vehicle owner (vehicles with out-of-state vehicle titles will also need to have a VIN/ownership documentation inspection performed)

• Bring your license plates if you wish to transfer them to a different vehicle

• Present your valid driver’s license that shows proof of residency in your county of registration

• Submit proof of a valid AL vehicle insurance policy (if the licensing office can’t confirm your insurance online)

• Present the most recent vehicle registration documents for the purchased vehicle

• Record the odometer reading (for vehicles that are less than 10 years old)

• Pay all the applicable AL vehicle registration fees

Alabama Vehicle Inspections for Registration

The state of Alabama does not require emissions inspections to register your vehicle. Before you can transfer your out-of-state vehicle to Alabama, you must have a VIN/ownership documentation inspection performed. This inspection is performed to ensure the VIN matches the numbers on your out-of-state vehicle title.

Alabama License Plates

You will receive your AL license plates and AL vehicle registration stickers once you complete the Alabama vehicle registration process. There are a variety of Alabama vehicle license plates to choose from, so keep in mind that if you order specialty or personalized vehicle license plates, you might have to wait to receive them, instead of receiving them immediately like you would with a traditional AL license plate.

Alabama DMV Locations

There are multiple Department of Motor Vehicle Locations in the state of Alabama that allow you to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles - Birmingham Office

908 Bankhead Hwy W

Birmingham, AL 35204

• 252-7445*

Monday - Friday (7 AM to 4 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles - Tuscaloosa Office

2645 Skyland Blvd E

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

• 553-0729*

Monday - Friday (7 AM to 5 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles - Pelham Office

1018 County Services Drive

County Services Building Ste 18

Pelham, AL 35124

• 620-5891*

Monday - Friday (8 AM to 4:30 PM)

Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles - Centreville Office

8 Court Sq W

Ste A

Centreville, AL 35042

• 926-3108*

Thursday (8 AM - 2:30 PM)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Closed)

*Call location to check for updated hours starting May 26, 2022*